Dear bag pipes,

Though I moved earlier in the summer, I really only went three or four blocks from my old place; still well within the grip of my college.  All my friends were still connected to there and I was still familiar with my surroundings.  On Saturday, I will move again.  This time I know little about the neighborhood, the people I'm living with or what to expect when I get there.  In the last couple of weeks I've gone out of my way to walk through campus when I can.  (Sad for Minnesota, campus looks most beautiful just before the students return.)  There's been the compulsion to pass through while I still can and I think I've been looking for some sort of reaction in myself.  My college's Scottish heritage and my abundant tears surrounding graduation have been well documented here, and I think I was anticipating a similar reaction to this move.  Or, at least one slow beautiful tear. 

As I took what will probably be my last walk through campus, the bag pipers were practicing.  I thought, "this is it! This will bring on the tears!" But no, just as I came across the group they ceased their practice for the night (it was almost nine o'clock) and I passed them, more appreciative of the powerfully bright blue moon than the bag pipes. 

I thought, "maybe this is the day I outlined exactly four months ago today when I'm really lost and emotionally stable enough to listen to my recording of Loch Lommond!" So, I gave it a try.  Mostly I felt a little embarrassed at the poor quality of the recording and the moments when you can hear my friend drop her program as we clasp each others' hands.  I don't think you can hear me sniffling.  (I can't be totally sure, the quality is pretty bad.) 

What I'm left with, I'm not entirely sure.  I feel more emotionally stable than I did four months ago.  (It might be equally as hard to actually identify what I'm feeling, however.)  Unlike in that post four months ago, I have plans! I have big plans.  I'm moving.  I'm teaching.  I'm intentionally moving to somewhere I don't know.  I'm discovering what kinds of beer I like.  I'm keeping up with friends.  I'm not fully packed to move.  I'm frustrated that the sink in the place where I live for only three more days is causing so much trouble. 


love,
hannah